What to Do When Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled

Nothing generates a feeling of sheer dread quite like a flight delay. You arrive at the airport, check your bags, step into the security line, and your phone lights up with a new notification: boarding has been pushed back five hours. Worse still is a cancellation, bringing your trip to a halt before it’s even begun.

Although they can be a major inconvenience for travelers, these disruptions are well within the airlines’ day-to-day operations. In fact, delays and cancellations are far more common than many travelers realize. According to the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 20% of flights in the U.S. have been affected since 2022 – proof that these situations, while frustrating, are more manageable than you’d expect.  

The key is knowing how to respond. Pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and recall these practical tips that will help you get back on your way in no time.

One of the biggest mistakes travelers can make is not keeping track of their flight before it’s time for takeoff. Often, delays are announced in advance, giving you time to produce a game plan that doesn’t involve waiting eight hours in an airport terminal. Many airlines will send an email or text message upon delay, but downloading the company’s app can give you a leg up, sometimes providing a more in-depth view of your flight, including data like where it’s arriving from and whether or not it’s en route. That extra layer of visibility can help you decide if you should be proactive about exploring other options or simply wait out a short delay.

One thing you don’t want to do is waste precious time. As soon as you find out your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you’ll want to try to gather as much information as you can so you can determine the best course of action. Those who need to rebook their flight must act with urgency, as these changes are typically first-come, first-serve. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing a seat on the next available flight and minimizing disruptions to your adventures.

Even if you’re already at the airport when a delay is reported, getting on the internet is often your best bet. Hop in line to speak with a gate agent, but as those ahead of you secure their flights, visit the airline’s app or website and try to rebook yourself. If you wait until you make it to the front of a long line, you may miss your chance at the best alternatives. Additionally, some travelers have had luck with reaching out to the airline via social media to attempt to rebook. 

If there are no good options on the airline you originally booked with, don’t feel like you’re stuck with them – especially after a cancellation. Gate agents are able to check the flight schedules for other airlines in their alliances, opening the door to alternatives you may not have discovered otherwise. If you’re still not finding a way to get to where you need to, consider flying to a different airport and taking public transportation or renting a car to arrive at your final destination. 

Flight delays and cancellations can be extremely stressful and confusing. One of the best ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed in the middle of it all is by educating yourself and learning your rights ahead of time so you’re prepared to get the most out of the situation. Non-refundable tickets may be eligible for refunds if you’re delayed over a certain number of hours and almost certainly if it’s cancelled. Additionally, familiarize yourself with laws and company policies surrounding free rebookings and things like hotel or meal vouchers for overnight delays. 

When delays or cancellations are announced, many travelers book it to the gate to get help from an agent. But what many don’t realize is that, if you have access to a club lounge, the agents within can assist you as well. This approach helps you skip long lines and secure priority access to the earliest available flights. Plus, while there, you can enjoy a quite respite from the bustle of the airport or pick up a snack to get you through your wait as well. 

Depending on why your flight was disrupted, travel insurance may be able to help out as well. While it won’t help you reach your destination any faster, providing proof of delay or cancellation from the airline can lead to reimbursements for meals, toiletries, accommodations, or even non-refundable flights. Insurance typically covers specific situations, like severe weather or unexpected illness, though it can also help with things like missed connections if you need to catch up to a cruise ship or tour and unexpected circumstances that require you to cut your visit short. 

One thing you simply must do is keep a record of everything, from communications about the delay or cancellation to receipts for the food, supplies, and hotel stays you pay for as a result of the disruption. Having everything documented will help you get reimbursed later on, whether by the airline or your travel agent, and also provides a written trail of the impact of the experience. Beyond that, documentation can be important if the airline’s records glitch and you need to prove exactly what happened or if your complaint is escalated and you need evidentiary support. 

There’s no denying that these situations are stressful. But “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” is a saying for a reason. The airline agent didn’t cancel your flight, nor do they go to work hoping to deal with delays throughout the day. Circumstances are often out of their control, yet they’re the face of the company in that moment and take the brunt of customer frustrations. Try to remain courteous and polite throughout the process and you never know how far it will get you.

Delays and cancellations may be unavoidable, but with the right approach, they don’t have to derail your entire trip. Staying informed, acting quickly, knowing your rights, and operating from a place of kindness can turn a stressful situation into a manageable detour – a mere stop on the way to a memorable escape.